Dave Caldwell says Blake Bortles isn't a 'placeholder' and can be the Jags' long-term QB

As we previously reported, Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell took the podium at the combine Wednesday to speak to the media for the first time since the season ended. As expected, he was asked about a variety of topics, but among the most notable were questions on the recent extension of quarterback Blake Bortles.

At the beginning of his press conference, Caldwell began by saying the deal was something both sides wanted to get done to give them clarity heading into the offseason. He also continued by saying Bortles wanted a deal to keep the team intact, which goes to show fans his determination to win. Caldwell continued, stating that Bortles has proved his doubters wrong and validated the extension he was awarded.

“All I’ve heard was that we can’t have a winning season with him. We can’t make the playoffs, we can’t win the division, we’re going to be one-and-done in the playoffs and he’s just proven them wrong on a lot of those bases,” Caldwell said. “Not just him, but the team. He’s not a placeholder. This wasn’t a decision where he’ll be here for a year and we’re going to be keeping our eyes out. We’ll always look to upgrade our team everywhere, but this was a decision for the future that he can grow into the guy long-term.”

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Based on of Caldwell’s statements, it appears that Bortles’ deal may have been reached mainly to free up some cap space as opposed to trying to figure out if he’s the future – which is completely fine. He played his tail off in 2017 and deserves to be the starter in 2018.

However, given Bortles’ sporadic career, it could be tragic for Caldwell to not at least have a plan B. Furthermore, it could be a mistake for Caldwell to waste the Jags’ window and the hard work he put into building the team an elite defense by spending too much time hoping for consistency out of Bortles.

When looking at the extension that Bortles received, he should have at least a year or two to prove 2017 wasn’t a fluke. However, he’ll have to do so against what should be a much improved AFC South featuring a Titans team that beat him twice in 2017 and a Texans team that will have the dynamic Deshaun Watson back.

Still, Bortles will have more than enough weapons to get it done – between the Jags’ offseason additions and Leonard Fournette, Keelan Cole and Dede Westbrook. Not to mention, Allen Robinson is likely to return.

That said, if he regresses under those circumstances, Caldwell needs to pull the plug – and if he’s wise, there will be an insurance policy in place to ensure his efforts won’t go down the drain if Bortles isn’t what the franchise believes he will be.

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